Everyone is trying everything they can to improve their physique these days. From weight lifting to triathlons, it is starting to seem as though people think they need to beat themselves up to be in great shape.
This is not so! As a practicing Yogini for the past twenty years, I can personally testify to the amazing results you can achieve and maintain. Yoga, one of the gentlest of all sports, does give your body great results.
The various postures of yoga target specific areas of your body and every single pose has alternate benefits besides the obvious physical. For example, if you are prone to anxiety, depression or stress a few yoga routines worked into your daily workout will help by increasing the oxygen flow to the brain.
It's important to remember that yoga is a routine. You can't just step off a treadmill and start your yoga. Like any other physical conditioning system, you need to warm up, maintain a state of mind and follow the guidelines for each posture.
With yoga, you are striving for muscle control, graceful movement and maximum stretch. Get to that point, hold for the time indicated and then slowly and in a controlled manner come out of the position.
This is not so! As a practicing Yogini for the past twenty years, I can personally testify to the amazing results you can achieve and maintain. Yoga, one of the gentlest of all sports, does give your body great results.
The various postures of yoga target specific areas of your body and every single pose has alternate benefits besides the obvious physical. For example, if you are prone to anxiety, depression or stress a few yoga routines worked into your daily workout will help by increasing the oxygen flow to the brain.
It's important to remember that yoga is a routine. You can't just step off a treadmill and start your yoga. Like any other physical conditioning system, you need to warm up, maintain a state of mind and follow the guidelines for each posture.
With yoga, you are striving for muscle control, graceful movement and maximum stretch. Get to that point, hold for the time indicated and then slowly and in a controlled manner come out of the position.
1. Easy Pose (it is not-that is just the name) Sukhasana
2. Cat Pose (feels great, makes me smile every time I practice) Marjaryasana
3. Standing forward bend (remember, only stretch to your most comfortable limit, no more.)
Uttanasana.
To get into the easy pose, fold a towel or thick blanket and sit on it. As you progress, the towel will be eliminated. Cross your ankles in front of you and sit "Indian style" maintain for two minutes.
In the cat pose you will be on all fours with your spine arched up towards the ceiling just like a scared cat. Your head will be down with your neck curling inwards. Hold this pose for thirty seconds. Reverse the arch making your spine curl down towards the floor with your head tipped back strongly. Hold this position for thirty more seconds.
Standing forward bend consists of your hands on your hips with your head neutral facing the opposite wall. Bend forward at the hip striving to not curl your back, attempt to bring your forehead to your knees. It's important to keep in mind that with yoga everyone is supposed to listen to his or her bodies and not attempt to complete a pose the way a yogi would. You can only do what your body will allow. Your forehead may not reach your knees today or one year from now, but in time you'll conquer the pose if you stick with it. If possible, place the fingertips or palms on the floor. Hold maximum stretch for sixty seconds. Rise slowly and gracefully to an upright position.
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